2018 Subaru Outback Touring 2.5i Full Review

Ryan takes you on a full tour of the new 2018 Subaru Outback Touring 2.5i -- with a comparison to the Mitsubishi Outlander... then it's off to the mountains to find some snow!
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[@troutster4436]

Finally! a 2018 Outback review thats entertaining and highly informative! Thanks!

[@SubieandFriends]

What's cool about the 2018 outback is that it has all the same eyesight features as the new 2020 model....except the driver monitoring thing that detects if the driving is paying attention to the road or not......that's something I'm ok to be without....

[@Agur.A]

You dont't get adaptive lane guidance before 2020 model. It means, your 2018 year model won't keep your Subaru between the lanes, it just steers you back, if you are going to cross them.

[@SubieandFriends]

@@Agur.A The feature your talking about is called Lane Centering….That feature was first made available for the new Crosstrek generation that was first launched for the 2018 model year…Then the Forester and Ascent got it in 2019. As matter of fact, the 2019 Forester was an all new generation that was launched that year. Also launched that same year was the newly introduced Ascent, which went on sale for the first time as a 2019 model. Then the Legacy and Outback got it when their new generation started with the 2020 model year. So yea that feature is called Lane Centering and it’s an additional feature that was added into the regular Lane Departure Prevention feature, so in other words the Lane Centering feature will constantly be correcting the steering in order to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane for as long as the system is able to detect the lane markings, but then if that fails and the system notices that your about to wonder off your lane then the Lane Departure Prevention feature will kick in and will auto steer the vehicle for you to keep it from merging out of its lane. The difference is that Lane Centering will keep your vehicle from rocking back and forth within its lane, which is how Lane Departure Prevention typically works, for example let’s say your vehicle is slowly merging to the left of the lane and you don’t notice it….the first thing the system will do is to activate the Lane Departure Warning feature, which try’s to get the drivers attention by sounding an alarm and by flashing some warning lights but if the driver still doesn’t react to it, then next the system will activate the Lane Departure Prevention feature which allows the system to auto-correct the steering in order to keep the vehicle from merging out of its lane….which can often times result in the ping pong effect, where your vehicle goes from one side of the lane to the other side of the lane because the system is constantly auto-correcting the steering in order to keep the vehicle from exiting its lane, so if the vehicle looks like its getting to too close to the right of the lane then the system will auto-steer the vehicle to the left, which then causes the vehicle to get too close to the left of the lane! Which the system will then auto-steer the vehicle to the right! And it’s stuck in a loop hole like that!! But that’s only when the driver is like completely dead……normally the system will work fine and dandy when the driver is actually paying attention, I always know when I’m getting to close to either side of the lane because I could feel the steering wheel auto-steer itself to keep my vehicle from unintentionally exiting its intended lane.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Driving Sports TV Coming back to re watch this and I've got to say Ryan, this is one B.A. video... Well done, Sir..... Great Subaru Advertisement. I sure hope they were/are watching, and recognizing, how you put it through its paces and came out victorious... Especially with the CVT which, not a lot of people(Self included) are fond of..

[@Crismodin]

I'm glad you mentioned the fact you can put it into manual, seems like a lot of reviews skimp over that and what it really means.

[@gratefultube]

So glad we bought our used 2018 Outback Limited. Tally Ho !

[@TylerSchappe]

Also got a 2018 Limited used in Jan 2021 before car prices went crazy. So happy with it

[@Doc1855]

I bought my wife a 19 Outback for her birthday and we both really like the car. Last December (2022), I had been looking for a Forester Touring, (so I could get the Saddle Brown Leather interior). I found a 2019 , which is a Certified Subaru with only 4,700 miles. The folks at Carter Subaru in Shoreline, WA were Great ! My Forester booked out at $38K, but Carter sold it to me for $32K. I saved $6K for a 6 hour round trip drive from our home in the Wenatchee, WA area, which was well worth the drive. I Love how the seats sit up higher in the Forester over my wife’s Outback. I like the size better than the Outback, yet the seats are more comfortable in my Forester than the Outback. The Outback has only 175hp whereas the Forester has 182hp. Yes I’ve since found out that the 2020 and newer Outback have 182 hp as well.

[@jimmesep2108]

I just bought a 2010 outback at a great price, 6,900 with 120,000 miles same color as the video, although it did have some slight hail damage i really do like it, it does have some other issues that i can take care of myself but other than that I love it. I have always wanted an outback but have been driving a honda crv instead , i finally got my subaru. on of these days ill take it to Moab and run the trails.

[@Josh-iv5ou]

Coming from an owner of a 2017 2.5 L touring myself...best vehicle I've ever owned, easy.

[@rrowicki9442]

2.5 is enough?

[@tahntalus]

He totally skipped over storage/trunk space???

[@shafiniashraq]

Thanks Ryan, great review. WD. Absolutely awesome.

[@josemendoza4645]

A review where he actually drove it how it should be !! Great review just that alone lol

[@nurulazim9244]

Most dope channel showing some off road driving.

[@ngelesosai4822]

Can someone please advise on fuel consumption in real world not on paper, thank you.

[@MSA-hj9pu]

The 3.6R needs to be tested more and let known it’s available instead of pushing that 2.5i on unaware buyers. I hate how you only see 2.5i on dealer lots for the price of the 3.6R

[@4047530025]

I bought the 3.6R and had to wait two days for it. They had to go to other dealerships and really tried to push the 2.5 on us.

[@changes165]

I'm not sure that it is Touch Capacitive. Not sure it will register your gestures without pressing harder

[@edhughes1591]

Continuously variable, not constantly lol. Great review though!

[@jimmesep2108]

I prefer the older models to the newer ones, I'm not really a fan of the eyesight feature or the the newer models that have the A/C integrated with the radio, once the radio goas out there goes your A/C. Im also not a big fan of the electronic brake on my 2010 I would rather i have a pedal that i push with my foot.

[@jasonkresock2196]

Awesome Video Man. Thanks!

[@lawrencembugua8484]

Very good review which is that the paint and on the seats very beautiful?

[@colechapman3382]

What I like most about Subarus is how simple everything is. The infotainment isn’t some hard to use complicated thing with weird controls and hard to see buttons. They are big and easy to read. As is the climate control and radio tuning knobs. Everything just makes sense. It’s as sensible as corduroy pants, and I quite like that. It has a simple gear shifter. No buttons or strange gear shifter pattern either. Just straight up and down. Again, simple, and practical. It has good ground clearance too with enough to get you home in a snow storm but not too much to make your grandmother have to struggle to get into and out of like a big SUV. The outback’s utilitarian approach while offering lots of practicality is why it’s my favorite wagon

[@Doc1855]

Everything changed in 2020. The infotainment system is a learning curve. I bought my wife a 19 Outback, but I had the choice of a 19 or 20. Even the dealership didn’t understand how to use the infotainment system in the 2020. Just to turn on the heated seats in the 2020 and newer, you have to go into the infotainment system and then go through 3-4 steps just to get to it, whereas the 19 and older, you just push a button.

[@robertolouth7468]

Excelent review and great driving shoots!

[@Sportstouring]

I really like the Outback and will probably buy one, but I'd like to see a review that shows it's off road abilities. Not the fluffy dry snow but the deep, wet snow. Our BMW 328 XDrive can go through anything we've had so far, but the utility of the Outback is what I'm after.

[@drivingsports]

The most important spec is that the Outback has nearly twice the ground clearance compared to your 3-series. That will get you much further in mud and snow. I’ve driven Subarus in every imaginable condition (see my review of the Crosstrek Hybrid in Iceland from 2013) and i have no hesitation recommending them for anything short of rock crawling. -RD

[@Sportstouring]

Hey, thanks for the fast reply. A side note is that we need to also tow a closed trailer with out Adventure touring bike. The Outback has just enough capacity to haul a 600lb bike, gear, and trailer. I think we will be a 2 car family, replacing our trusty Civic with the 3.6 Outback.

[@drivingsports]

If you need something more extreme, the 4Runner TRD Pro provides even more off-road capability. It’s what I would choose in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse. -RD

[@drivingsports]

The upcoming Subaru Ascent will be bigger, have more towing capacity (if that’s a concern - I don’t see it being a problem) and will likely be just as capable off-road.

[@Sportstouring]

HA, I hear you. We had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it was amazing, very capable. The Toyota product is amazing, one day I'll have to get one.

[@kevhed8]

NIce review. I wish you would've dedicated some time to how the 2.5 performs since it only has 175hp and those Outbacks weigh somewhere in the 3700/3800lb range.

[@drivingsports]

It’s slow. But it’s a balance with economy. People that want more always have the 3.6R option.

[@lenfert4]

It's underwhelming if you are on the interstate and have passengers, but also gets almost 30mpg. The low end torque isn't bad for off road situations. All together pretty decent with my input coming from owning a 2017 Touring 2.5.

[@johnjames7712]

I bought the 3.6R after testing the 2.5. I felt the 2.5 was a little slow and I liked the smoothness of the 3.6. Also, for the 2020 model year Subaru is getting rid of the 3.6 so there’s some rarity there.

[@SubieandFriends]

I honestly find my 2018 Subaru outback 2.5 very capable and feels plenty fast when merging or passing, it definitely feels peppy and it handles the canyon curves like its on rails!! One time i was able to get it up to 108mph in one hwy onramp, I didnt even notice the triple digit speed until I had to merge, however It was just me in the vehicle...so yeah... maybe it feels like that to me cuz my previous daily driver was a 2012 Nissan Sentra with a 2.0 4 cylinder with CVT? Sure it only had 140hp but it was like 600 pounds lighter....also my other car is a 2015 mustang GT with auto trans and 420hp V8 ...so I definitely know what fast and slow cars feel like and i can honestly tell you the 2018 Outback 2.5 ain't slow by any means, sure the 3.6 is faster but that dont mean the 2.5 is slow. Depending on the kind of vehicle, having more power dosnt always mean better, especially when it comes to most offroading situations, on the plus side the 2.5 does get much better fuel economy which leads to more affordable cross country roadtrips!!

[@MrBunnyhan]

Good ol' days when new outbacks started at $25k. Crazy how much it costs just 5 years later~

[@alsaunders2490]

I just got a 2018 used, one owner, 3.6r limited. Its superrrr fun. A good used one, thats it - youve won the car lottery.

[@SubieandFriends]

@@alsaunders2490 back in 2020 i got myself an used 2018 subaru outback premium trim with all the exrra optional features such as eyesight, blind spot detection,rear cross traffic alert,lane keep assist and etc...plus a power rear gate & sunroof, 8inch infotainment display with factory navigation and so much more all for $20k....$1k down & monthly payments of $350....one heck of a deal!!! its now been 3 years later and 105,000k miles on the odometer and its still driving/feeling like the same day i bought it, my wife and kids and my dog love it! and i love taking it offroad! as matter of fact i take it offroad atleast once per month and have over 200 videos on my youtube channel to show all the offroading ive done with it.......bottom line, its one of the best if not the best experience ive had in owning a vehicle..... Subie Subie cant you see how much you hypnotize me! Subie for LIfe!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Great review. I’ve watch a number of them and you have a gift. BTW: what’s with the AutoNation channel using your video from this review??? Thanks

[@drivingsports]

Thanks! Really nice to hear that. We also produced a series of reviews for Autonation with some of the same footage. (in addition our company also creates videos for The House of Muscle on Motor Trend, AMMO NYC and AutoBlog.)

[@danbolton3180]

I have a 2017 Touring Outback, and I should have saved money buying a cheaper model and put my money into aftermarket. It’s a nice car, but it asks for dents in parking lots, and Subaru people aren’t nice to nice cars.

[@Arturs.B]

I cant decide which one is better looking - forester or outback. Thats about every generation. Tough decision which one to buy next. Currently I own Outback BE BH.

[@clamchowder138]

This guy is trying to talk like Doug Demuro lol

[@bnsk6106]

Great video buddy! Thanks for your time and your great content !

[@brandoguy3338]

I love Subaru as much as I love my dog

[@DrHumorous]

I love Subaru more than I love your dog.

[@K03sport]

I believe Clarion makes the HU or at least the last gen was. All the utility and function in the world is useless if the car isn't engaging; when driving becomes a chore, is it still 'fun'...maybe outback drivers are more concerned w/the destination than the driving experience getting there...can the cvt hold speed going downhill at frwy speeds and use engine braking vs actual brakes to check speed during inclement wx/road conditions...i miss the legacy gt wagon

[@bosse641]

Very nice indeed.

[@AnhYeuEmMaiMai69]

symmetrical does not mean 2 cylinders on each side, you can have a V configuration or an inline engine and it would be symmetrical...

[@nodak81]

Not sure why he was talking about the engine at all. As far as I know their use of "symmetrical" is just referring to the length of the CV shafts being equal on each side, helps reduce torque-steer.

[@valdius85]

@@nodak81 Subaru mentions the engine every time they represent the Symmetry of the system. Most of the comercial videos I saw had engine on the drawing and the balance of the whole system was shown. I saw the same stuff in person, with explanation, in the factory tour in Ota, Japan.

[@TaistoUuslail]

Great review! Own the 2002 Forester for 7,5 years and know what is the basement of this car concerning driveability. Thanks!

[@HarvinderSandhuEsq]

Those rims are from the old limited

[@Spikejou]

Great review! Where was this filmed? It's beautiful there.

[@drivingsports]

Near Lake Keechelus in Washington State. It's just off I-90.

[@Spikejou]

Thank you

[@tomtalker2000]

First of all i'm TOTALLY in love with my 2017 3.6R Limited Outback. It's hands down one of if not THE BEST vehicles i've ever owned. However, my only gripe is the HORRIBLE "shit brown" colored interior. It looks hideous and downright gross if you ask me. Subaru should have darkened it to a more deeper chocolate brown color instead. And also folks if your considering an Outback DO NOT go with the 4cyl version. Because there are FAR too many complaints regarding it's reliability. Not to mention it's EXTREMELY under powered for a vehicle as big and heavy as the Outback is. Where as the 6cyl 3.6R engines are virtually bullet proof and have very very few complaints. So do yourselves a favor like i did and test drive both engines before purchasing. Once i drove the 3.6R 6cyl i was IMMEDIATELY sold over the 4cyl. That's how different both engines are. In my honest opinion the 3.6R is the perfect compliment for the Outback. Also, it will track even BETTER on snowy roads considering how powerful the 3.6R engine really is. Along with adding extra weight to keep the vehicle planted more firmly over slick roads etc...

[@SubieandFriends]

Your wrong about the reliability of the 4 cylinder engine, in fact it's one of the reasons why this generation of outbacks are considered to be very reliable and they hold up their value really good, you need to remember that most outbacks that are sold come equipped with the 4 cylinder, like 4 to 1.....so if the 4 cylinder had issues like you said then the outback wouldn't be considered a very reliable vehicle, I have a video on my channel showing how quickly the 4cylnder accelerates and it got to 112mph pretty damn quick....you sound like those people that think what they got is better just cause they have it, it works both ways, but im not like that, I see it for how it is, sure it would be nice to have the bigger engine but do I need it? No I dont, both engines give the outback the same capability, even the towing limit is the same (2700lbs) for both engines...sure you will accelerate 2 seconds quicker then me but i will get much better fuel economy and still have plenty of power for everything I need. When taking roadtrips you will go much further with the 4 cylinder on a full tank of gas compared to the 6 cylinder, I'm not saying the 6 cylinder is bad is far from it, but dont go around saying the 4 cylinder is bad when it's not.

[@ryansportguy5546]

Really good car Great vid

[@philcorn1]

I wish you could hear the engine running.

[@barneyut]

He can, you can't.

[@Chickennss]

What a picturesque lake

[@raydavies3278]

Which model is this ?? limited or touring ??.

[@robertfrazier4609]

Pay attention

[@bensonmwenda8338]

Limited

[@boomee78]

Wish subiesport was still around

[@turboranger6939]

I want to see this car in Russia

[@prtrax]

Can you help me understand constantly variable transmission? How is this different from a continuously variable transmission (CVT)?

[@drivingsports]

Same thing. Continuously and constantly are close enough to use the terms interchangeably.

[@barneyut]

Same thing.

[@gt5228z]

I don't think this guys knows anything about cars. First, the engine isn't what is being referred to as symetrical here. Second, RPM ratio is a really ignorent way refer to hear ratio.

[@Backs4more]

Not correct. He explained that the engine is inline with the drive train, which runs down the centre of the car, with 2 cylinders each side of the drive train line. That is correct and that is why Subaru call it symmetrical. If you cut the vehicle right down the middle, each half of the engine, transmission and drive drain is symmetrical.

[@gt5228z]

@@Backs4more according to subaru themselves subaru awd: "distributes increased or decreased traction where and when it is needed." It's not called subaru symetrical chassis right? What's symetrical is the power that can be sent independently to each wheel in a symetrical fasion.

[@dieselcanuck87]

Don’t care about the tech get to the driving

[@patientx77]

You didn’t mention performance, like 0-60 times. Oh right that’s because it’s almost 10 secs to 60 (9.5 to be exact). And if you load it up for a weekend family camping trip...forget about it. The 3.6 is nice, but Subaru has some work to do on that base engine. And lose the CVT.

[@MrFloydroy]

patientx77 you have it all wrong. Cvt is nice. Im sure everyone that owns one will agree.

[@sir_bumpalot]

Im living in Germany. Lots of curvy roads where you can go 100 km/h and lots of autobahn with no speed limit. For a family car it has just enough power, i never needed more. Also full packed you can drive 200 km/h on the Autobahn easily.

[@sir_bumpalot]

And, btw, 0- whatever times do not tell the whole story. Most manufacturers use racing start methods for this timing. Reving up high and start with slipping clutch. You cant do that here, and i do not need it. In normal everday driving situation ,eg in stop and go the CVT auto is more comfortable and faster than a manual gearbox, without effort. If you want a sportscar, buy one. This is a highly comfortable and very safe family car.

[@lenfert4]

I agree about the engine needing to improve. The 2.5 is fine on my 2016 Legacy, but it's lighter. The Subaru CVT doesn't feel like other CVT cars I've had (2010 Nissan Altima, 2013 Nissan Juke). When you get on the engine it gets to shift points like a conventional transmission about 3500 rpm. I understand 2019 models may start to incorporate 1.8 and 2.4 direct fuel injection turbo engines. That would be a huge improvement.

[@barneyut]

2.4 suits most people for normal driving if you want to tow get the 3.6, they are both great. i do own 2015 Limited 2.5 never had a moments trouble, moves easily through 2 feet of fresh snow.